Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer – Our Top Picks

When you’re a new parent, chances are you’ll start worrying about things you never even thought about before you had a child.

When you’re taking care of a little one, things that used to appear harmless can suddenly seem threatening or suspicious. For example, germs! You can’t even see them, but we bet you’ll be doing all you can to keep them far and away from you kid. But how do you do that?

One way is to sterilize your baby bottles before each feeding. This may sound like a ton of work, but trust us when we say a baby bottle sterilizer is simple and effective.

Here’s a fact: bacteria love milk and this is potentially dangerous for babies, especially during their first year. When an item is sterilized (a bottle, a pacifier, a fork), all bacteria are killed. This is a step up from “disinfecting” something (using boiling water, for example) because disinfection only reduces the amount of bacteria rather than getting rid of it altogether.

A baby’s immune system is not as strong as ours; it’s more susceptible to viruses and infections. Knowing that germs are bound to cling to bottles, it’s a no brainer to sterilize them in an effort to ward off sickness.

BONUS: Many sterilizers also dry and deodorize bottles -- a huge time saver! In addition, some have space for other accessories like breast pump parts, pacifiers, and even small toys.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, check out this comparison table to get an overview of our favorite models, and if you're looking for help picking out the right bottles (for your breastfed baby), check out this helpful article.

Types of sterilizers

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll stick to the popular steam methods, both electric and microwave.

Microwave steam sterilizers

Microwave steam sterilizers are extremely popular because they don’t use any sort of chemicals and you don’t have to plug them in. Instead, in just 3 to 8 minutes, steam heat from water kills bacteria. In most cases, the bottles will remain sterile for up to 24 hours if the lid remains securely closed.

These sterilizers come in different sizes, so be sure that the one you’re buying fits inside your microwave unit.

Pros

Low cost​

Can be stored when not in use

Quick and efficient

Cons

No drying cycle​

Need to be cautious of the steam

Cannot sterilize metal items in the microwave

Electric steam sterilizers

Like the microwave models, the electric steam sterilizers kill bacteria with steam heat – no chemicals necessary. The major difference is that the unit sits on the counter and is plugged into the electrical outlet.

It takes 6 to 15 minutes to sterilize items that will remain sterile up to 24 hours as long as the unit stays closed. Some electric sterilizers have the ability to deodorize and/or dry the bottles too.

Electric sterilizers are extremely easy to use – just push a button to begin. This is an excellent option if you have lots of bottles to sterilize or if you don’t have a microwave. Be sure to check the safety features before purchasing. Most models have automatic shut-offs.

Pros

Simple to use​

Drying/deoderizing option

Fits lots of items

Cons

Higher price point​

Takes up counter space

Choosing the right sterlizer

​Once you’ve decided to buy a baby bottle sterilizer, it’s worth it to take the time to comparison-shop. In this article we review a handful of top models, but first here’s a quick list of what to consider:

Capacity (how many bottles do you plan on sterilizing?)

Size (do you have counter space?)

Weight (will you be traveling with it or moving it around the counter?)

Price (microwave models tend to be cheaper)

Warranty (is there one?)

Now that you've got some background info, let's take a closer look at our top picks for the best baby bottle sterilizer.

Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer

In 1991 in Los Angeles, CA, the company Munchkin exploded onto the scene with creative, clever, adaptable products for children. With special attention to detail and a real desire to help out both new and seasoned parents, Munchkin has become one of the most widely recognized baby brands (now with 7 offices worldwide!).

The Munchkin Steam Guard was created with the on-the-go parent in mind.

It’s a smaller size and lighter weight (just over 1 lb.), but still accommodates up to 4 bottles and 2 breast shields at the same time. With a safety lock and heat-resistant handles, the Munchkin Steam Guard is safe and easy to use in all standard-sized microwaves. What’s more, it takes no more than 5 minutes to sterilize and it’s absolutely affordable!

​Pros

​Cons

Previous customers say it can suffer from leaks and drips​

Smaller size means it can't fit as many items at once

Bottles take a while to dry

Who is this product perfect for?

This is ideal for the parent on a budget or the multi-tasking parent who needs clean bottles on a steady rotation but isn’t looking for a complicated appliance. After use it can be stashed away so there’s no need to give up precious counter space.

The one feature we love

We love the fact that this is an ultra lightweight model that we can travel with or can be whisked away after use. It’s easy to use and easy to store!

If you’re not sure you want to commit to a bottle sterilizer, try out the Munchkin Steam Guard. At such a lower price point we bet you’ll be satisfied with this simple yet efficient product.​

Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer

A major player in health care, Royal Phillips promotes modern technological solutions to live the healthiest life possible. The company deals with a wide spectrum of health and homecare issues and relies on feedback from both medical professionals and consumers like you. They are based in the Netherlands.

The Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer is simple to use – and quick! In just 2 minutes you can kill 99.9% of germs and sterilize up to 4 bottles (standard or wide-necked). The safety lid protects against burns or messy leaks and keeps contents sterile for up to 24 hours (as long as lid remains closed). This design fits standard microwaves and is definitely affordable.

Technical specs

Weight: 1.9 lbs.

Shipping Weight: 2.0 lbs.

Dimensions: 10.63” x 6.34” x 10.63”

Material: BPA free

Dishwasher safe: No

Warranty: 2 years

Pros

Safety click system for easy and secure handling​

Light enough for travel

2 minutes to sterilize

Fits breast pumps, pacifiers and other small items

​Cons

Not dishwasher safe​

Who is this product for?

This is also a good pick for the parent on the go since the design is lightweight and easy to carry to grandma’s house down the street or pack away in a suitcase. The small footprint doesn’t take up much room, so it’s a sensible option for anyone with only a bit of spare counter space.

The one feature we love

We especially appreciate the safety click system that keeps steam from escaping so we don’t burn our arms when we take the sterilizer out of the microwave. Furthermore, we don’t have to worry about the lid opening before we want it to—we know the contents will stay germ free for up to 24 hours while the lid is secure!​

If traveling is part of your regular routine (either around the neighborhood or overseas), this is the sterilizer for you. Although it can’t fit too many bottles or accessories at once, this Philips AVENT is a sensible choice for the busy parent who needs a simple way to clean bottles no matter where they are.

Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer

The 3-in-1 design is what’s special about this Philips model. With its adjustable size, you can choose to sterilize just a couple of bottles at a time (or items like pacifiers or small toys) or expand it to fit six 11-ounce bottles (standard or wide necked). When not in use, choose the smallest configuration so the machine takes up minimal space in your kitchen.

This electric steam sterilizer takes 6 minutes to sterilize and has an automatic shut off once the cycle is complete. Like many others, it keeps bottles sterilized for up to 24 hours if the lid stays closed.​

Technical specs

Item Weight: 3.3 lbs.

Shipping Dimensions: 12” x 11” x 8.6”

Shipping Weight: 4.6 lbs.

Material: BPA free

Dishwasher safe: No

Warranty: 2 years

Pros

Versatile 3-in-1 design​

Fits breast pump accessories

Automatic shut off

Cons

Higher price point​

Not dishwasher safe

Who is this product for?

This may be the product for you if you plan to sterilize smaller items throughout the day, like teethers, pacifiers, cutlery and cups, and then run a full load of baby bottles at the day’s end. In this way, you’ll be getting the most out of the expandable design.

The one feature we love

​We have to applaud the versatility of this sterilizer one more time! We didn’t hesitate to sterilize just a few items at a time when the product was at its most unassuming size, and we thrived on loading it up with bottles and accessories and expanding it to the max!

The Philips AVENT 3-in-1 will cost you a bit more than the other models we’ve reviewed so far, but that’s because you will have more features to choose from.​

Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer

In 1997, Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® baby bottle was introduced to the market as the only bottle with a vent system inside. With its claims to cut down on spit-up, colic, and gas, Dr. Brown’s bottles soon became beloved by millions of parents.

Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer has a larger footprint than the microwave options and it takes about twice as long to do its job. You can sterilize up to 6 bottles in 12 minutes at the push of a button and know that the machine will automatically shut off once its cycle has finished. The inner tray is removable to make loading bottles and other small accessories even easier. Although the tray was made for holding Dr. Brown bottles, other brands fit as well.​

Technical specs

Item Weight: 5.3 lbs.

Item Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 14 inches

Material: Lead free

Dishwasher safe: No

Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Respected brand name​

Fits small accessories

​Cons

Difficult to clean​

Heavy

A bit pricey

Who is this product for?

If you’re already a fan of Dr. Brown, this may be the right match for you. Dr. Brown bottles fit perfectly inside the tray (both standard and wide-necked). The machine is tough to tuck away in a corner, so if you feel comforted by the Dr. Brown name on display in your kitchen, check out this model.

The one feature we love

The removable tray was helpful when we were loading and unloading the bottles, and it’s a nice catchall for accessories like pacifiers, cups and small cutlery.

Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer

When it comes to children’s feeding products, Tommee Tippee has cornered the UK market since 1965. This company has won numerous awards for their creative, quality products, including the Gold Award for Britain’s best baby bottle since 2006. Today their innovative designs are used in 45 countries.

​Clearly, the folks at Tommee Tippee understand the need for simple, efficient products!

This model sterilizes up to 6 bottles in just 5 minutes without involving any sort of chemicals. As long as the lid stays closed, the bottles stay 99.9% germ free for up to 24 hours. When opened, the lid doubles as a clean work surface you can use to prepare bottles. The machine will also hold breast pump accessories and other small items. This model is in the mid-price range.

Technical specs

Item Weight: 4.6 lbs.

Item Dimensions: 8.7” X 9.8” X 13”

Material: BPA free, Phthalate free

Dishwasher safe: No

Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Respected brand name​

Clever design

Automatic turn off

5 minute cycle

​Cons

Takes several minutes to fully cool down​

Who is this product for?

If you are already using Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature bottles, this is probably the sterilizer for you since these bottles fit perfectly (the short, wide-necked bottles).

The one feature we love

The fact that we can take off the lid, flip it over and have a sterile workspace is terrific. We appreciated this simple solution after prepping many bottles a day!

What struck us most about the Tommee Tippee sterilizer is that the innovators clearly had the busy, stressed out mom in mind when they created this product. We appreciate a fast-working machine, a sleek design that works in our kitchen, and safety features that we know will keep our families safe.​

The First Years Power of Steam Electric Steam Sterilizer

The First Years, in business for more than 60 years, understands the ups and downs of new parenting. Their motto: “Your journey as a parent is your own” celebrates individual parenting styles, warts and all. By thinking “outside of the box,” The First Years offers intuitive products to support your full parenting experience.

At a glance, The First Years Electric Steam Sterilizer offers something different: a tall tower-shape design that directs the steam heat deep into the bottles for an extra dose of clean in approximately 5 minutes. The unique tray can hold up to 6 bottles or a wide array of smaller items like breast pump accessories, pacifiers or teething toys. The tray can be removed so the items can air dry, and all of the parts are easy to clean—you can even pop them in the dishwasher! This is a mid-range priced sterilizer.​

Technical specs

Item Weight: 3.2 lbs.

Item Dimensions: 9.2” x 9.2” x 13.8”

Shipping Weight: 4.4 lbs.

Material: BPA free

Dishwasher safe: Yes

Warranty: 90 days​

Pros

Unique tall design fits several things at once (not just bottles)

Dishwasher safe

​Cons

​Takes a while for bottles to dry fully

Drying trays may be tricky to assemble

​Who is this product for?

This is a great design for someone who wants to keep the sterilizer handy, but doesn’t want it to be too noticeable in the kitchen when it’s not in use. The tall shape can be tucked into a corner of the counter until you’re ready to use it. It’s also ideal for parents or caregivers who want to sterilize more than just bottles; the tray holds quite a few items at once.

The one feature we love

We found that we relied on the drying tray quite a bit, removing it from the machine so the bottles could dry faster. We also used it as a storage tray for small items like pacifiers that we needed throughout the day.

The First Years website was extremely inviting and informative. Reading about the company’s mission and goals made us want to try and recommend their products.​

Baby Brezza Sterilizer Dryer

Baby Brezza is based in New Jersey and is the proud recipient of prestigious awards including The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and the Parent Tested, Parent Approved Award.

The Baby Brezza Sterilizer Dryer has 4 different functions:​

Sterilize only

Sterilize and dry

Dry only

Storage system

In just 8 minutes, you can kill off 99.9% of germs in your bottles and as long as you keep the top closed, the bottles stay sterile for up to 24 hours. You can fit up to 6 bottles plus a few smaller items and the tray can be removed and used for storage. The drying cycles last 30, 45 or 60 minutes and there’s an automatic shut off when the cycle finishes.

Technical specs

Item Weight: 6.5 lbs.

Item Dimensions: 17.3” X 11.5” X 10.4”

Material: Lead free

Dishwasher safe: No

Warranty: 1 year

​Pros

Works with bottles of all sizes​

Auto shut off

Cons

Expensive​

Large footprint and heavy

Who is this product for?

If you have room to spare on your counter, the Baby Brezza Sterilizer Dryer might be a good choice. It’s for the family that doesn’t mind waiting up to an hour for the convenience of totally dry bottles.

The one feature we love

We loved not having to air dry the bottles or other items. Waiting the extra time was hardly a chore when we knew the bottles would be bone dry and ready to use!

The Baby Brezza model is a bit pricey, so be sure it’s got what you need before making the purchase.

Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer Plus Version

The founder and innovator of Wabi Baby prides herself on creating and marketing products that will help new families navigate the sometimes tricky road of parenting. Based in Texas, Wabi Baby launched its first product in 2012.

The Wabi Baby Sterilizer and Dryer can fit up to 8 bottles, depending on their size. The clever design directs steam and heat deep inside the bottles for a complete sterilization or drying process. There’s a screen that shows how much time is left in each cycle, and the machine remembers your settings so you don’t have to. When the cycle finishes, there’s an automatic shut off for safety.​

Technical specs

Item Weight: 5.5 lbs.

Item Dimensions: 14” X 12” X 9”

Material: BPA free, Phthalate free, PVC free

Dishwasher safe: Yes

Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Excellent safety features​

Fits a variety of bottles plus accessories

Drying system

Cons

Most expensive of all those reviewed here​

New company without extensive track record

Who is this product for?

This is the most expensive model we reviewed, so this is not necessarily for the family on a budget. That said, it’s a good pick for someone looking to support a relatively new company that clearly has wonderful intentions and intuitive designs.

The one feature we love

We were excited to load up this machine because it was so roomy, but also because we knew that the safety features, including an automatic shut off, would protect our bottles and accessories from overheating.​

This sterilizer is an investment for some, so it would make a thoughtful gift for new parents who are eager to alleviate a few mundane tasks like washing and drying bottles.​

​Considering that there are countless things we can’t predict on the rocky road of parenthood, we should applaud and embrace the things that are within our control.

These days, with the help of steam sterilizers, we can keep on top of the germs that creep into our baby’s bottles or cling to their small toys. Whether you choose a microwave model or an electric design, there’s a steam sterilizer to fit your needs. (You might also consider buying a bottle warmer for breast milk, which might be a helpful addition to your routine).

In any case, we'd say they are a welcome addition to the childcare market!